Posted by Thomas Paul on Jul 15, 2025
We’re thrilled to share that Alex Handyside, a longtime member—and now Honourary Member—of the Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour, is featured in the July 2025 issue of Rotary Canada magazine.
 

Alex’s journey is anything but ordinary. Originally from Newcastle, England, Alex came to Canada in 1990 through a three-year exchange program between the British Royal Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force. He and his family settled near Halifax in 1993, and since then, Alex has brought his energy, compassion, and service mindset to nearly every corner of our community.

His impact spans generations and sectors. After completing his MBA at Saint Mary’s University, Alex founded a senior home-care business, driven by a deep concern for the wellbeing of older residents. He’s also hosted a twice-monthly radio show for nearly two decades, sharing classic British hits and lively conversation with Maritime listeners.

But Alex’s heart for service doesn’t stop there. He has:

  • Served as President of the Rotary Club of Dartmouth

  • Been a dedicated member of Halifax Harbour since 2014

  • Helped establish the Rotary LGBT+ Fellowship and the Rainbow Action Team

  • Advocated for prostate cancer awareness and moderated a support group

  • Driven a double-decker tour bus around Halifax in what he calls his "retirement job"

  • Played a leading role in Halifax Harbour becoming a Peacebuilder Club

  • Received our club’s inaugural Peacebuilder Award

His passion for community also helped spark the creation of “100 Men Who Give a Damn,” a local giving circle that raised nearly $500,000 over five years to support local charities.

As Alex proudly puts it in the article:

“We’re a breakfast club… We’re busy, we’re diverse, we’re young, we’re active, we’re different.”

📖 You can read the full article here:
Rotary Canada – The Talented Mr. Handyside

Image from Rotary Canada magazine, July 2025. Used with permission from Rotary International


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